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obelus

Syllabification: (ob·e·lus)
Pronunciation: /ˈäbələs/
Definition of obelus

noun (plural obeli /-ˌlī/)

  • 1a symbol (†) used as a reference mark in printed matter, or to indicate that a person is deceased. Also called dagger.
  • 2a mark (- or ÷) used in ancient texts to mark a word or passage as spurious, corrupt, or doubtful.

Origin:

late Middle English: via Latin from Greek obelos 'pointed pillar', also 'critical mark'

obelus in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of obelus in the British & World English dictionary
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